Worcester Polytechnic Institute to Hold Innovation Day at Seaport Location

Share

Share

WHAT:

WPI student and faculty inventors will showcase a number of innovations at a two-hour project presentation event known as “Innovation Day.” The presentations will feature 14 projects that were completed by students and faculty this year, and are now ready for licensing opportunities. WPI is bringing WPI-based research to Boston to engage with the Boston business community, and encourage investors who are interested in the projects to visit WPI to discuss commercialization opportunities.

"Get Up 'N' Go," created by sophomore Alex Miller,
a mechanical engineering major.

One project that will be presented includes “Get Up ‘N’ Go,” retractable metal arms that can be attached to a walker to help users pull themselves up with the walker, instead of pushing on a seat to reach a standing position. WPI sophomore Alexandra Miller, the creator of the device, will demonstrate the device’s usability. She says the project was inspired by her grandfather, who had to use a walker after undergoing knee replacement surgery. “I am blessed to have the opportunity to improve the quality of life of others and give walker-users the support to ‘Get Up 'N' Go,’ ” said Miller, who is majoring in mechanical engineering. Here is a link to a demo of “Get Up ‘N’ Go.”

In January, WPI opened WPI Seaport, its new innovation and collaboration space in Boston’s Seaport District, as the university expands its economic development efforts across the Commonwealth. The 6,400-square-foot space features tech suites, a state-of-the-art classroom, and flexible designs to accommodate large and small group meetings, all in a distinct layout that fosters collaboration, team working, and team building.

WHO:

WPI professors, undergraduates, and graduate students will provide overviews of their innovations and then break into one-on-one sessions with industry leaders. Some of the technologies, which come from many fields, including biotechnology, physics, environmental engineering and virtual reality, include:

A wearable wireless sensor, which will help prevent pressure ulcers (bedsores), by John McNeil, head of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.

Assistive technology that improves the gait of people with drop foot, by undergraduate team Julia Dunn, Steven Franca, and Lauren Guertin.